In Case You Missed It: YPS Update

YPS Report: Active Engagement

Jennifer E. Nathan, MD, ACR Young and Early Career Physician Section (YPS) Chair, said the primary goals of the YPS are to attract and retain members and foster future ACR leaders. The section, which represents members who are either within eight years of completing training or are younger than 40, is meeting these goals with a variety of activities that focus on professional development, networking, and certification.

For starters, the YPS had a dedicated Sunday morning program at ACR 2016. The program included two parts: How to Succeed in Your Practice and How to be a Successful Radiologist. Nathan said she was pleased to see a “nearly full house” for the sessions.

Also during the annual meeting, the YPS is hosting a reception from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday in Washington 4 at the Marriott Wardman Park. Nathan said the event will allow members to engage with colleagues as well as ACR leaders who they might not otherwise connect with in person.

Outside of the annual meeting, the YPS is involved in creating content that is relevant to its members, including an electronic newsletter plus a column and podcasts in the JACR®, Nathan said. Additionally, the section was one of the groups piloting Engage, a forthcoming ACR tool that promotes networking and facilitates information sharing.

Nathan also noted that an amendment is being considered that would add a YPS member to the ACR Board of Chancellors as part of a renewed focus on retaining and increasing young and early career physician membership. The YPS already has representation on more than 90 percent of ACR committees and commissions, she noted.

With YPS members becoming increasingly involved in the College, the section recently conducted a survey of all YPS members who serve on ACR committees and commissions. Nathan said the survey showed that many YPS members are unclear about their roles on the committees and commissions on which they serve. In response, the section is exploring the possibility of creating welcome packets for new committee and commission members and potentially launching mentorship programs, Nathan said.